Where can you travel that has both a Blue City and a Red City? Where eating with the left hand is considered unclean? Where the liver is considered the symbol of love? 

It’s Morocco! Morocco is a north African country that touches both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, where dozens of languages are spoken, and yummy cuisine is enjoyed. 

Bookmark this guide for when you’re ready to travel to Morocco. 

Ready to pack your bags? Don’t forget your international travel checklist planning guide and your travel journal! 

General Information

• Population: Roughly 36.9 million

• Capital: Rabat

• Location: A North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Flag: A red flag with a green star in the middle. Red has historic significance to Morocco, proclaiming the descent from the royal Alaouite dynasty. 

• Time Zone: GMT+1

• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

• Language: Official languages include Arabic and Berber. Other spoken languages are Moroccan Arabic, Hassaniya Arabic, Berber, and French. 

• Climate: The country has a Mediterranean climate, and the coastal plains experience moderate temperatures due to the cold Canary Current off the Atlantic coast.

• Religion: No official religion, mainly Muslim 

• Visa Requirement: To find out if a visa is required for your country — and easily get yours if needed — check out iVisa.com.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (mid-March to May) or fall (September to October). 

Health & Safety

• As of November 2021, the CDC has labeled Morocco as having a low number of cases of COVID-19. If you must travel to Morocco, make sure you are fully vaccinated. As of January 2022, please exercise caution when traveling, as a new COVID-19 variant surges. 

• Find information regarding COVID-19 and Morocco here: https://ma.usembassy.gov/

• Follow the CDC guidelines for current travel advisories, as well as the U.S. Embassy guidelines.

Typical Costs in Morocco

Typical costs for eating and dining vary depending on the meal and how luxurious you choose to go when you travel to Morocco. A sandwich can cost MAD 13 or $1.40, popcorn MAD 2.00 or 22 cents, while dinner for two would typically cost MAD 115 or $12.39. 

Food To Eat in Morocco

• The National Dish of Morocco, couscous, is a must try. Couscous is made of tiny balls of semolina, cooked in a steamer, and served with meat or vegetables.

• Tagine can be found in street carts and in fancy restaurants. It’s named after a clay cooking pot with a conical lid, which is used to slow cook multiple types including beef, lamb, vegetables, stew, etc.

• Zaalouk is a spread and a side dish typically served with crusty bread. It’s made of eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and spices.

• Harira is made with lamb, chickpeas, tomatoes, lentils, coriander, and lemon juice. The soup is served with a sticky sweet pretzel called chebakkiya.

• Travel to Morocco and try Makouda, a deep-fried potato ball that’s been dipped in a spicy sauce. Yum!

• There are several different kinds of bread to try in Morocco. Try Khobz – a crusty bread made in wood-fired ovens.

Drinks To Try in Morocco

• Mint tea is also known as the country’s national drink. It’s addictive – a green tea base, sugar, and mint leaves. You’ll find mint tea everywhere in Morocco. Also, waiters will be eager to show off their pouring skills – holding the pitchers high above the teacups.

Psst! When you travel to Morocco, alcohol is not consumed as openly and as publicly as the mint tea is.

• Coffee lovers, unite! Nous Nous is half coffee, half milk and it’s served in a small glass. Sit and gossip with friends! 

Top Cities To Visit in Morocco

• Marrakech or Marrakesh, known as the Magical Red City, is the one true stop you need to make when you travel to Morocco. It is a medieval city with ancient walls, mosques, palaces, gardens, and maze like alleys selling textiles, pottery, and jewelry. In your visit to this enchanting city, stop by Jardin Majorelle, Palacio da Bahia, Anima Andre Heller Garden, Le Jardin Secret, and Medina of Marrakesh.

• Casablanca is the most Western-feeling and looking city in Morocco. Check out Hassan II Mosque, Quartier Habous, Old Medina of Casablanca, Mahkama du Pacha, or take a day trip to Rabat. Consider a camel ride or a quad ride when you travel to Morocco.

• Chefchaouen is the infamous Blue City, known for the Instagrammable blue buildings. This tradition started in the 1400’s, when an influx of Jews escaping the Spanish inquisition came to the city and brought this tradition along. As the city has since expanded, the Old City still remains blue. If you travel to Morocco, it seems like Chefchaouen should be on your list. Try the creamy native goat cheese, step inside a mosque (dress appropriately!), and take in the beauty of Cascades d’Akchour.

• Agadir is southern Morocco’s most popular city and a place to soak up the sun on the beach. This is a place to relax and a common spot where many Europeans vacation. Take a stroll along the beach, visit the crocodiles at Crocopark, and shop at the Souk E Had d’Agadir street market.

• Fes is an ancient walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to the oldest university in the world: University of Al-Karaouine. Visit the Medina of Fez, Jardin Jnan Sbil, Fes es-Bali (believed to be the world’s largest car-free urban zone). 

Psst! Interested in sustainable tourism? Read here.

Must-See Sights in Morocco 

• Bahia Palace

• The Blue City 

• Koutoubia

• Toubkal

• Saadien’s Tombs

• Ouzoud Falls

• El Badii-Ksibat Nhass Palace

• Todra River

• Menara Gardens

• Le Jardin Secret

• Bou Inania Madrasa

• Blue Gate

• Hercules Caves

• Tizi n’Tichka

• Telouet Kasbah

• Jemaa el-Fnaa

• Hassan II Mosque

• The Sahara Desert 

How To Get Around Morocco 

The best way to get around Morocco is via train, bus, or car. Utilize buses for those areas that are more off the map, and trains will go between cities. Trains are reasonably priced with good coverage overall. Paying for a car will be expensive, but can be more useful if you want full freedom with your itinerary. Travel to Morocco and be ready to visit both bustling cities and more off the beaten path places. 

Bucket List Experiences in Morocco 

• Visit the Blue City: Chefchaouen!

• Watch snake charmers on the streets of Morocco.

• Ride a camel in the desert.

• Go sandboarding.

Where To Book Flights

The cost of airfare can quickly eat up your budget.
>> Click here to find the best flights to Morocco.

Where To Book Accommodations

Morocco is home to some fantastic hotels.
>> Click here to find the best hotel deals in Morocco.

Housesitting is a great way to cut down on travel costs.
>> Click here to find housesitting opportunities in Morocco.

Hostels are an affordable option when it comes to accommodations.
>> Click here to find hostels in Morocco.

Booking a vacation rental can help to save the budget.
>> Click here to find vacation rentals in Morocco.

Best Travel Tours/Packages in Morocco

GAdventures: Morocco Journey – 9 days
From timeless golden dunes to vibrant, bustling bazaars and the age-old remains of civilizations past, explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sights. Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a 4×4. Meet musicians, artisans, and nomads as you soak up the mystique of this captivating North African nation.

TourRadar: Casablanca & Coast– 7 days 
Highlights:
See the world’s tallest minaret in Casablanca and browse the exuberant Djemaa el Fna.
Explore the rose-coloured medina in Marrakech and relax by the coast in Essaouira.
Soak up the sun over three days in the charming seaside city of Essaouira.

ToursbyLocals: Chefchaouen Half-day Walking Tour
Highlights of the walking guided tour:
-The Kasbah of Chefchaouen “belongs to the early 18th century”
-The old Medina; its walls; The typical blue streets. . .
-After exploring the Medina, have lunch at one of the local restaurants
-Souks
-El Parador Panoramic view

Additional Reading

Books: Travels: Collected Writings, 1950-1993; The Spider’s House; A House in Fez 

Movies That Will Make You Fall in Love with Morocco: Wechma; Marock; Whatever Lola Wants

Podcasts: Travel to Morocco; Living with a Moroccan Host Family

Check out these Journo Adventures of travelers that have visited Morocco! @Rtjagk traveled all around the country and  @vickyaspinall enjoyed her first Moroccan mint tea! 

Now that you’ve seen our guide for travel to Morocco, what did you think? Leave us a comment below!